IAF sets up ‘Operation Parakram’ like security cover for Delhi CWG

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): The Indian Air Force on Friday said that aerial security cover over Delhi ahead of and during the XIXth Commonwealth Games could be compared to the high alert maintained during “Operation Parakram” in 2002.

Following the December 13, 2001 attack on the India Parliament, “Operation Parakram” was launched by deploying the armed forces along the Indo-Pakistan border. India then blamed Pakistan for backing the attack. The operation was the largest military exercise carried out by any Asian country.

The IAF said that it would be providing holistic air defence against all aerial threats, and its radars along with those of the Airports Authority of India will monitor the skies 24X7.

Air Marshal NAK Browne AOC-in-C Western Air Command, under which the air defence of the National Capital Region falls, said: “The requirements are different from 2002. Overall alert status remains the same, but specifics have changed as compared to Operation Parakram.”

He further said that it would not be possible to enter Delhi’s air space without proper identification or permission, and added that the activities of aircrafts flying in and out from Delhi will be closely monitored by the Air Force.

The Union Home Ministry is coordinating the overall security management for the Games with Delhi police and other security agencies.

The IAF is also fully prepared to counter any threat from micro-light aircraft, paragliders, balloons and remote flying aero-models.

It has also trained Delhi police personnel to detect low-altitude flying objects and bring them down, with two IAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicles providing inputs.

The frontline Indian fighter jets will be ready to fly from nearby air bases and the airspace will be closed for all unscheduled flights during the Games. (ANI)